During major religious and cultural gatherings in Senegal, the phenomenon of irregular departures intensifies, fuelled by promises of a better future, economic constraints and family influences, resulting in increased migratory flows towards Europe. During these festive periods, roads and markets become meeting places where young people in search of opportunities come into contact with informal smuggling networks, creating favourable conditions for risky crossings. Rescue figures at sea reveal a worrying and recurring dynamic: on July 8–9, 2025, the naval station of Foundiougne rescued 201 migrants in the Saloum Islands; on July 29, 2025, the offshore patrol vessel, PHM CAYOR rescued 239 migrants off the coast of Saint-Louis; on August 14, 2025, the offshore patrol vessel, PHM NIANY rescued 147 migrants about 92 km off Sangomar; and on August 19, the offshore patrol vessel PHM CAYOR, supported by a patrol aircraft, rescued 133 migrants off the coast of Dakar.

These interventions highlight three key realities: public spaces that are simultaneously promising and risky, perilous maritime routes, and a growing diversity of nationalities among migrants. Factors driving this phenomenon include unemployment, precarious working conditions, high living costs, and the lure of employment abroad. Large gatherings increase population density and interactions, facilitating connections between migrants and smugglers and amplifying the “migration mechanism” effect during festive periods.

As Aliou Diouf, a former irregular migration candidate, explains, smugglers act as local intermediaries who exploit travellers’ vulnerabilities and hopes by offering misleading or dangerous travel solutions. Diouf says, “We take advantage of periods of large gatherings to take the pirogues because we tell ourselves that all attention is focused on the upcoming event, so we can leave without fear.” Mamadou Ndiaye, a Diourbel resident said. He adds that “during the ‘Magal of Touba’, when I see young people my age who live abroad sending large sums of money home and building beautiful houses, I would always think that if I had left, I could have done the same. This motivates me even more to take the boats.”